ANOTHER week, another major challenge for the Coalition. Last Thursday, it was Labour TDs shifting uncomfortably in their seats as they all, bar Colm Keaveney, pressed the 'ta' button for a Social Welfare Bill they would have denounced from on high in opposition.

ANOTHER week, another major challenge for the Coalition. Last Thursday, it was Labour TDs shifting uncomfortably in their seats as they all, bar Colm Keaveney, pressed the 'ta' button for a Social Welfare Bill they would have denounced from on high in opposition.

This week, it's Fine Gael deputies in what Alex Ferguson famously described as "squeaky bum" territory. The Budget is gone (though certainly not forgotten) but the abortion issue has the potential to propel the Government out of the frying pan and into the fire.

The cabinet meeting this morning will consider the various recommendations of the expert group on abortion. And it is widely expected to agree to a combination of legislation and regulations to deal with abortion where there is a threat to the life of a mother – effectively legislating for the Supreme Court's judgement in the X Case.

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